How do I remove skunk spray?
Animals develop different mechanisms for surviving attacks by predators both when they live in the wild and within urban and suburban areas. Skunks have a unique mechanism they apply: skunk spray.
When the critters perceive danger, whether in the wild or urban and suburban areas, they produce a spray. Skunk spray is a pungent-smelling liquid skunks produce and dispense on attackers and predators. In the wild, they release skunk spray on animals such as owls. When they occupy urban and suburban areas, the skunk spray they produce is usually released on humans and animals they perceive as threats. The noxious spray can travel far, up to 20 feet when it is fully aerated.
The smell of the spray is so displeasing that it should be removed as soon as possible. The smell can also last for up to 3 weeks, another reason to remove it as soon as possible. You should also know that the spray gets harder to remove as it stays longer on the recipient. Since the recipient of skunk spray differs, we cover how to remove skunk spray from different recipients and surfaces.
How to remove skunk spray from human recipients
It is best that the recipient does not enter a closed space immediately after they are sprayed. This is because the smell can stay in a confined space for much longer afterward. Instead, the recipient should have someone else prepare a mixture of household products such as baking soda, detergent, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar. After getting the mixture, the recipient should head straight for the bathroom and scrub with the mixture until the smell goes away. You should remember that bathing with water will only make the smell and the removal of the spray worse. The spray should also be prevented from contacting the eyes at all times.
How to remove skunk spray from animals
Pets can be recipients of skunk spray when they encounter them and do not know to stay far away. A mixture of household products will also work for pets. Apply a mixture of products such as vinegar, detergent, soda, and hydrogen peroxide to the fur and leave it for 5 minutes. Afterward, rinse off the mixture. You may notice that your pet may become bleached, especially if you use hydrogen peroxide.
How to remove skunk spray smell from surfaces
Skunk spray smell may linger in cars and within closed spaces after a recipient of the spray enters such spaces. For skunk smells within closed spaces, open the windows and place dishes of vinegar in different locations within the space. A pan of vinegar heated on a stovetop has similar effects.
In cars, the smell can be removed with a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and liquid dish soap. Scrub the interiors of the car with the mixture. You also need to wash the carpets and exteriors. To remove any lingering odor afterward, you can leave a piece of charcoal to absorb the odor. The mixtures for removing skunk spray are effective because they dissolve and neutralize the alkaloid spray.
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